SCLDGM coded modulation for MIMO systems with spatial multiplexing and space-time block codes

We analyze Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) coded modulation systems where either Bit-Interleaved Coded Modulation (BICM) with spatial multiplexing or concatenation of channel coding and Space-Time Block Codes (STBCs) is used at transmission, assuming iterative Turbo-like decoding at reception. We optimize Serially-Concatenated Low-Density Generator Matrix (SCLDGM) codes (a subclass of LDPC codes) for each system configuration, with the goal of assessing its ability to approach the capacity limits in either ergodic or quasi-static channels. Our focus is on three relevant STBCs: the Orthogonal Space-Time Block Codes (OSTBCs) for two transmit antennas (i.e., the Alamouti code), which enables optimum detection with low complexity; the Golden code, which provides a capacity increase with respect to the input constellation; and Linear Dispersion (LD) codes, which enable practical detection in asymmetrical antenna configurations (i.e., more transmit than receive antennas) for cases in which optimum detection is infeasible. We conclude that BICM without concatenation with STBCs is in general the best option, except for Alamouti-coded 2 x 1 and Golden-coded 2 x 2 MIMO systems. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.